PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Tradition Lakes K-8 will not open on the first day of school after all. St. Lucie Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon R. Prince announced the delay just one day before the school’s scheduled open house, pushing the first day of classes back one week, from August 10 to Monday, August 17.
In a statement, Prince said he made the decision himself, after inspecting the campus and determining staff needed more time to prepare it before students arrived. He said the extra week would ensure students get the first impression they deserve, without requiring any changes to the rest of the school year’s calendar.
In an interview with CBS12, Prince said the decision came down to giving families the experience they were promised. “It’s never the wrong time to make the right decision,” Prince said. “And although I know it’s an imposition to some of our families, I still think, for your child’s first day of school, you want it to be perfect.”
The district says the delay will not cost students any instructional time. The school calendar is not changing, and no make-up days have been added because of the postponement.
For families who need childcare during the gap week of August 10 through 14, the district says it has partnered with the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club to offer low-cost options.
An open house is scheduled for this Friday, August 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., giving families a chance to meet teachers and tour the campus before classes begin the following Monday.
District officials say no other schools in St. Lucie County are expected to see similar delays this year.